Adverse childhood experiences are associated with vascular changes in adolescents that are risk factors for future cardiovascular disease.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and indicators of future CVD risk in adulthood, such as greater vascular stiffness. The impact of ACEs in adolescence is unclear, and understanding how ACEs relate to blood pressure (BP) and vascular function during early life is key for the development of prevention strategies to reduce CVD risk. We hypothesized that exposure to ACEs would be associated with changes in central hemodynamics such as increased vascular stiffness and higher BP during adolescence.

Methods

This pilot study enrolled 86 adolescents recruited from the Children's of Alabama. A validated ACE questionnaire was employed, and ACEs were model

SUBMITTER: Kellum CE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10234926 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature